Timeline concerns for Premier League
Published:Sunday | October 4, 2020 | 12:15 AMDaniel Wheeler - Staff Reporter
With the league set to get started in six weeks, there are concerns that the timeline for the National Premier League’s return could be impacted, as organisers are still awaiting the Ministry of Health & Wellness’ (MOHW) approval of their health protocols.
In announcing the format and proposed health and safety measures to facilitate the planned November 14 kick-off for the nation’s top football competition, Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) President Michael Ricketts, among other things, announced on September 22 that COVID-19 testing will be done for players and staff starting September 28. This has yet to commence.
JFF General Secretary Dalton Wint, however, told The Sunday Gleaner that they are awaiting the MOHW’s green light before they begin the tests, which will involve approximately 600 players and officials.
“What we don’t want to do, is test now and you don’t get the approval. That is actually a waste of money,” Wint said.
SPIKE IN POSITIVE CASES
Director of Emergency at the MOHW, Dr Nicole Dawkins-Wright, said that given the recent spike in positive cases in the island, they have not issued a cut-off date for the protocols to be approved for the league’s return.
“The MOHW is unable to commit to a deadline at this time given the recent change in transmission scenario and the increased demand on the health system,” said Dawkins-Wright.
On August 1, Jamaica had recorded 894 COVID-19 cases and 12 deaths. However, since then, the numbers have risen sharply to reflect 6,795 positive COVID-19 cases and 119 deaths, as of yesterday morning.
Dunbeholden Manager Paul Christie disclosed that club officials are expected to meet on Tuesday to discuss the matter before subsequently meeting with the MOHW on Thursday.
He added that although the concerns of the league’s start are warranted, he was optimistic that organisers would get the go-ahead from the health officials in time to meet the scheduled November 14 start date for the league.
“We are going in with a positive attitude. We are not just going to seek permission. It is a case that we are going to the ministry and showing them how it will work and we are not going to endanger other people or running the risk of [increasing the numbers] of the pandemic,” Christie said. “It’s not a rush thing. We are trying to make sure that when we go to them, we have all our ducks in a row.”
Meanwhile, Wint did not disclose a timeline for when the protocols would need to be approved in order for them to meet the November 14 date, insisting that they did not want to impose pressure on the ministry in signing off on the proposals sent by the Federation.
“We have to respect their (MOHW) timing. We cannot force their hand in making a decision, but it is up to them,” Wint said.
Wint did, however, note that should the November 14 date prove not to be feasible, then other dates would be looked at.